Air Canada Flight Collides with Port Authority Vehicle at LaGuardia Airport

New York’s LaGuardia Airport was temporarily closed on Monday, March 23, 2026, after an Air Canada flight collided with a Port Authority vehicle on the runway. The incident occurred late Sunday night, prompting emergency response and significant flight disruptions.

Details of the Collision

According to authorities, the collision involved an Air Canada Express CRJ-900 operating on behalf of Air Canada and a Port Authority aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle . The Port Authority stated the rescue vehicle was responding to a separate incident when the collision occurred . The incident took place on Runway 4 at approximately 11:40 p.m. On Sunday .

Casualties and Injuries

Initial reports indicate that the pilot and co-pilot of the Air Canada flight were killed . Two Port Authority police officers, members of the Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter Unit, sustained serious injuries, including broken bones, but are expected to survive . A flight attendant was ejected from the aircraft during the crash and was rescued by Port Authority police, receiving medical attention . There were 72 passengers and 4 crew members on board the flight, originating from Montreal , .

Airport Closure and Flight Disruptions

LaGuardia Airport was closed following the collision, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ground stop for all flights , . As of Monday morning, 408 flights had been canceled . The airport had already been experiencing disruptions due to inclement weather, and staffing issues related to federal funding expirations were similarly contributing to delays .

Investigation

Authorities have initiated a thorough investigation into the cause of the collision. Emergency response protocols were immediately activated .